Matt Williamson

(12:55 PM)

Hey everyone. Happy NYE. Let's get started a bit early today. Anxious here.

Virginia Beach,Virginia

Matt, do you thing the Eagles have a legitimate Superbowl run?

Matt Williamson

(12:56 PM)

I do like their chances. Been a heavy believer in Philly this year. Been a roller coaster, but I think they will be a tough out. I really like their chances in Round 1-and winning in NY isn't all that far fetched. The key here is Westbrook's health though. When he is spry, they are very tough. When he is nursing one (or several) ailments, bad things usually happen.

Mike (Boca Raton)

why does mike tomlin hate anthony smith? i can see why they like ryan clark, but smith looks a ton better than tyrone carter, don't you think?

Matt Williamson

(12:58 PM)

He is clearly more athletic, agile, explosive, etc. However, I just don't think the staff trusts him. Has done some really dumb things when he has been given a chance. Can't say that I have given up on him-I like his aggression (usually) and ability. But in that D with 43 running around like crazy, they need someone they can trust as that last layer of D. Clark is perfect.

Tim (California Viking)

Rumors Rumors Rumors. Have you heard anything about Elway getting the GM job in Denver?

Matt Williamson

(12:59 PM)

First I have heard of that. Love the guy as a QB-but who on Earth has Elway ever scouted? Organizing a scouting department and building a roster isn't something to learn on the job.

CJ NYC

As I told you two months ago, Romo was overrated. He is irresponsible with the ball, great quarterbacks amnage the game and make plays, he doesnt qualify.

Matt Williamson

(1:00 PM)

You are oh so wise. I would still take him as my QB. Don't love him, don't get me wrong, and yes, what you have said is very true. But he is a playmaker. No questioning that. His irresponsibility since returning from the broken finger is rather amazing though.

Mike (Boca Raton)

are you worried about the steelers run defense? they seem to be getting out-physicalled the last three weeks against bal, ten, and even cleveland. tell me they'll fix things by next sunday.

Matt Williamson

(1:01 PM)

I am not worried. I hear what you are saying-not sure I agree with vs. Clev though. Still, against Tenn I thought they were a very tired and worn out football team all together-particularly on D. Having Harrison fighting injury didn't help. I would expect a big time run stuffing performance in their first playoff game at home.

Larry (Pasco, WA)

As a Chargers fan, its been a up and down year. Now playing the Colts with LT and Gates banged up, offers little hope after a rough regular season. Can you offer any positives playing the Colts this week? Any chance we win this game?

Matt Williamson

(1:03 PM)

I still give your Chargers 50/50. SD has played Indy very tough of late and I see where many are coming from in that they fear the Colts, but they have as glaring of a weakness (inability to run the ball) as any playoff team. Manning makes a lot of problems go away for sure, but I don't love their D either. SD might be a bit overrated as well, since their "Hot Streak" has come against less-than-formidable competition.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Not a Romo fan but I believe he is a very good QB just has the wrong coaches and personel (T.O.) around him.

Matt Williamson

(1:04 PM)

There could be something to that as well...esp with that OL. Not a very good pass blocking group any more. Big heavy mauling run blockers. Still, the Boys resigned Flozell last year and Columbo just last week. Not sure those are prudent moves.

Mike (FL)

Any chance Plax is back in Giant blue next season? If not, what do they do with him? Hopefully not another Marbury situation where he is too good to cut but too distracting to play.

Matt Williamson

(1:05 PM)

Doubt he is in NY. Doubt it becomes a Marbury situation. I would bet they trade him for less than market value or potentially cut him out right. If either is the case, I promise quite a few teams will line up for Plex. Oak? TBay? So many more.

Joe (NY)

Ravens are going to Superbowl, they pretty much have a bye this week, They matchup well with Titans and Steelers. Only thing that can derail them is if they have to play form behind and a power running game like the Giants or Panthers. What do you think??

Matt Williamson

(1:07 PM)

They don't have a bye this week. Miami is a tough team to play against. They never go away, are tough in the trenches, very well coached overall and never turn the ball over. Still, I am with ya-big Birdie believer here and yes, I think they win this week and can certainly play PGH or TENN very tough. They don't want to see Indy though. Manning has their number and they can't afford to get down heavy early in the game like they did in the Colts game this year. Can Flacco win three playoff games? Not sure.

Majeed

M-Dub, Win or lose Miami has had a great season. Do they have a shot Sunday?

(1:08 PM)

Pete (NC)

Matt Williamson

(1:09 PM)

Probably a lot of people in your boat-but I am sitting here listening to Zeppelin while hosting this chat. Old school music guy here.

Mike (Boca Raton)

is the reason that you work for ESPN and not an NFL franchise illustrated by all of the happenings over the last 3 days with firings, resignations, etc.? do you just find it more stable at Scouts Inc. or is there another reason you are not in a player personnel dept?

Matt Williamson

(1:11 PM)

Many reasons really. I love this job and have never looked to get back into the league since taking it. I do miss the team environment and walking out to practice on a nice day and watching the guys live. Plus, game day will never be the same. However, ESPN doesn't go 2-14 either and I am just about always. home. Take my kids to and from day care every day. I work at least as many hours now as I did then, but it is on my terms. Right up my alley there.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Matt, who do you have advancing Bal/Mia, Indy/SD, Ari/Atl, Phi/Min?

Matt Williamson

(1:12 PM)

Balt, Phil, ATL and torn on that last one, but give me Indy in a nail biter. Can Zona stop Turner? I doubt it. But, I also worry that ATL can't slow down that passing game on the road.

Dave (San Diego)

Heck, I'm 33 and would prefer The Boss or McCartney to Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake any day!

Matt Williamson

(1:12 PM)

35 here...same with me Brother. Saw Bruce a few years back.

Cody (The Diego)

People tend to forget that the Bolts beat the Colts AT Indy last year without Rivers, Gates or LT!!!!! Of course the Bolts have a chance in this game, as well as Rivers is playing. And don't forget about the Colt Killer Darren Sproles!

Matt Williamson

(1:13 PM)

Exactly. The Colts were rooting for Denver in a big way last Sunday Night. Sproles is a fantastic player. The type of guy you want on your roster. About to become a free agent. Was just thinking about him the other day and thought that the Bengals should do whatever they can to grab him. Keep Benson and use him and Sproles equally. Plenty of teams will want this guy.

Shawn (NC)

How come Steve Slaton hasn't gotten more attention? Come on the guy only lead all rookie running backs through the regular season and didn't start until the 3rd week.

Matt Williamson

(1:15 PM)

He has gotten plenty of attention, hasn't he? Guess I am not sure on that. Great fit in that O. That is a dangerous O. Gibbs' scheme really kicked in as the season went along. Houston is close. Find 2 defensive playmakers in the off season. Draft one and a UFA. S/DT/DE

Tony S. (Kentucky)

Matt, what should the Lions do? Draft a Q.B. like Bradford or Stafford with the #1 pick of so after Matt Cassel or another proven Q.B.?

Matt Williamson

(1:17 PM)

Got get the coach in place first. I wrote an article a few weeks ago talking about the "10 Keepers" that Det should build around. Not an easy assignment by the way! Anyways, if they bring a 3-4 D oriented HC or DC, then they really have a massive job on their hands since hardly anyone on that D fits the 3-4. However, sticking with the O. I would probably go QB-which is odd for me. Usually a guy who wants to build in the trenches, but I can live with Backus at LT, Raola at OC and Cherilus at RT for now. They do need to spend some $$$ on an OG that they can trust first though on O. Keep Culpepper/Kitna around to bridge the gap.

Mike (Boca Raton)

have you heard Tom Donohoe's name come up in any GM-related discussions? he did a very good job in Pittsburgh and many people think he was under-appreciated with what he accomplished in Buffalo.

Matt Williamson

(1:19 PM)

I haven't, but I guess that is a possibility. I have a ton of respect for Mr. Donahoe and he has helped me a few times throughout my career. Class act all the way. Would be an excellent candidate for any of the GM jobs if he decided to get back in.

Steve (Syracuse)

2 Questions: How are the negotiations with Haynesworth going? Also- where do the titans go for QB next season?

Matt Williamson

(1:20 PM)

I have no idea how the negociations are going. I feel like I know quite about the league, but I don't know how the discussons behind those closed doors are going Bro! As for QB, I think they need to bring back Collins. Would do everything possible to bring back the same crop-maybe mix in a third round pick on a QB as long term insurance.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Told you by the end of the season the giants would have the best secondary in the nfc!!!

Matt Williamson

(1:22 PM)

We were just asked to rank every position from 1 to 12 of the playoff teams. I had LBs, DBs and Coaching staffs and put NYG's secondary at #6. I must admit, DBs were extremely hard this year, but I put Car and Philly ahead of them from the NFC.

Dave (Pittsburgh)

If the Chargers and the Ravens win next week, the Steelers play the higher seed, right? So do you think the Steelers can beat the Chargers again?

Matt Williamson

(1:23 PM)

Right. Pittsburgh cannot play Balt next week, but can play any of the other three. Oh yeah, I think PGH can beat SD for sure. Coming to PGH next week isn't going to be much fun.

Steve (Syracuse)

Who are the top WR free agents on the market this offseason?

Matt Williamson

(1:24 PM)

TJ Housh is a big one. Boldin certainly could want out of Zona if they don't ante up-but that is a trade situation. Same with 85. Engram is up. As is Devery Henderson. Not a great class.

Bruce (SD)

Just curious- why is Herm Edwards still employed as an NFL head coach? As a Chargers fan, I'd hate to see him go, because I know his teams are always going to bad.

Matt Williamson

(1:25 PM)

I am with you here. If I had to rank the HC's from 1 to 32, there may only be 3 or 4 who I would put behind Herm. I just don't see it. Doubt he stays employed for long though.

Adam (Jersey)

Don't forget Antonio Bryant

Matt Williamson

(1:25 PM)

Good call. AB is up.

Matt Williamson

(1:26 PM)

One thing about AB-and I am not bashing him, in fact, I was at Pitt with him and wish him all the best-but he does have a strike against him. So a few teams might back off. But still, like the Plex situation, there are MANY teams that need WR help.

Adam (Jersey)

Do you think the Jets are going to regret letting Mangini go? Didn't they learn their "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone lesson" with Pennington?

Matt Williamson

(1:28 PM)

Consistent changes in staffs is a bad idea. Still, I don't have a problem with this move. He really did a poor job this year in my opinion. It took way too long to figure out what to do with Favre/all his O personnel. Then, once it was figured out, they got away from it. Don't get me wrong, Favre hand cuffed him a ton, but still. As for the D-just SO passive. Esp for a 3-4 team. Bring heat!

Eric (Sioux City)

Glad to see you Herm Edwards assessment isn't influenced by his being a nice guy. The Chiefs lost 5-6 games that can be attributed to poor coaching decisions.

Matt Williamson

(1:28 PM)

No room for letting his demenor influence my decision. Great neighbor. Bad Head Coach.

Joseph (State College, PA)

Brett Favre would have had a more productive year if he was a member of the vikings. True or False?

Matt Williamson

(1:29 PM)

True-but not by a ton. I really think he is done. Minny just has better personnel around him. Better D. More familiar with the division. And most importantly-Adrian Peterson!

Will J (Portland, OR)

Matt, initially I understood why the Jets went after Favre, but two things come to my mind. First, even with him I didn't think they had a SB quality team. Second, they have now wasted another opportunity for Clemens to get some more experience.

Matt Williamson

(1:31 PM)

Very true. Put a lot of very expensive band aids on big problems. They approached this past offseason like they had to win now or lose their jobs. Well...Also, before the Favre situation, they built that O for the run with guys like Woody, Faneca, Franks and Richardson. Then Favre falls in their lap and they didn't know what to do with him.

Tony San Diego

Why did Phillip Rivers get a snub job from the Pro Bowl? I mean, are you serious? Brett Favre? No disrespect, the guy is a legend but played washed up last week. Also, would it make Rivers look bad if he declined to take Favre's place if he cant play?

Matt Williamson

(1:32 PM)

Feel like I am just killing Favre right now-but so be it. Anyways, Rivers is the FAR superior player right now.

Matt Williamson

(1:32 PM)

Amazing to me though. Anytime Favre's name comes up in any capacity it stirs the waters. Now, most of the questions I am looking at have to deal with the guy. Retire!

Anthony (NYC)

M-Dub has there ever been a season where no matter which coach wins COY, it can't be disputed(Smith/Sporano/Belichek/Fisher/Coughlin)?

Matt Williamson

(1:33 PM)

Dead on Anth

Ben (Pinehurst, NC)

Peterson might have helped Favre, but it's not like Thomas Jones was chopped liver. I don't think Favre's season would have been much different in MN. When you lead the NFL in INTs (unless you have an insanely good defense) you and you're team just aren't going to look so good.

Matt Williamson

(1:34 PM)

No question. If you haven't figured it out, I am FAR from a believer in #4 right now. Used to love him and used to pardon the INTs because he was such a playmaker. Not any more. Just saying that it could have gone slightly better in Minny than NYJ. Still, as I was quoted for a recent ESPN article, I would rather play against him than with him.

Steve (Syracuse)

Any fear that if Schwartz is picked up by...lets say Denver, that Albert follows him there?

Matt Williamson

(1:35 PM)

Certainly could happen. My guess is that Haynesworth gets locked up before any of that can happen. Remember, he went to the U of Tenn. Surely he is comfortable there. Very good team. Why leave? But...can't say I know what is going on with the contract negociations.

Greg(Buffalo,NY)

Why would the Buffalo Bills keep Dick Jauron on as their Head Coach? 2009 will be another losing season? I am officially done as a Bills fan!

Matt Williamson

(1:36 PM)

Oh Greg-you can't help yourself. You will be back. Go put your Bruce Smith jersey on, pour yourself a toddy and bring in the new year.

Joe (NY)

Matt I am 5'11 265 you think I could put Ray Lewis (250) on his behind on an isolation block?

Matt Williamson

(1:36 PM)

Not in 1000 tries

Joseph (State College, PA)

Don't you mean the Toronto Bills?

Matt Williamson

(1:37 PM)

Nice....well, put on your Mats Sundin jersey

Adam (Milwaukee)

Speaking of Favre, do you think Rodgers out played him this year and what do you expect out of Rodgers in the future?

Matt Williamson

(1:37 PM)

Crushed him. Not even close. Big Rodgers guy here. I think he will be a B+ QB as soon as next year. That D is why GB was bad this year.

Doug (NY)

Why is the Pro Bowl voting done with 3 or so weeks left in the season? Shouldn't it be done after the season is over? Betcha Favre wouldn't get the nod right now.

Matt Williamson

(1:38 PM)

Dumbest thing in the world. Makes zero sense to me. The entire Pro Bowl situation is mind boggling. I don't even watch it.

Matt Williamson

(1:39 PM)

By the way, Pitt/Oregon State is 22 minutes away. Get your Fitz/McCoy/AB/Fralic jerseys out.

Eric (Sioux City)

I am 5'4", 120. Could I pancake the Gramaticas?

Matt Williamson

(1:39 PM)

Every time.

Robert (Monrovia, Ca)

Cleveland has the 5th pick in the draft, where do they go from there, LB (Maualuga)?

Matt Williamson

(1:41 PM)

A LB is a huge need for sure, but I think it should be a pass rushing OLB moreso than ILB. I am on about step two of 20 or so in my draft prep, but from what I know about Maualuga is that he is a high risk/reward guy and he can get too heavy. They need a team leader on D. A real butt kicker. Is he that guy? Not sure. Would USC lost to Stanford/Oregon State if he were?

Mike (Boca Raton)

can you put your mel kiper hat/hair on for a minute: do you think that pitt's fb collins has a future in the nfl? he looks pretty versatile to me.

Matt Williamson

(1:41 PM)

I do think so. I dont think he is L McClain, but in the right system, he could be very valuable. A guy like him needs to be a big contributor on special teams, which I doubt he would have any trouble doing.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Matt, how would you "fix" the Dallas situation, or is that possible?

Matt Williamson

(1:42 PM)

If you don't make a coaching move, then I think you stay the course. I know that sounds nuts, but the players are there. That O became too predictable, but the D became very tough down the stretch.

Mike (Boca Raton)

what is the key for the miami offense to have success v. baltimore's defense?

Matt Williamson

(1:43 PM)

Patience. It won't come easy and Balt was dominating against the Wild Cat early in the year. Still, that is an aggressive D and if Pennington is patient-which he does well-something might pop. Get the ball out quick. No turnovers.

Cody (The Diego)

Brett Favre is the most OVERRATED player in NFL history! In his career he's made more poor throws than good and has LOST more games for his team than he's won for them!

Matt Williamson

(1:44 PM)

I just had to post this since Cody has submitted it 678 times. Happy?

peter (boston,ma)

Are the Patriots going to use their first round pick on a CB or LB because they desperatly need one!!

Matt Williamson

(1:45 PM)

Got to. Belichick is a believer in building the D from the front to the back-as am I. But I really like that front three. OLB is a big need. Vrabel is done. Thomas is quite good, but a stud opposite him would go a long way. Secondary needs serious help. Still, NE will be better next year than this year-assuming Brady returns.

TSM (california)

Speaking of Favre, NO, LETS NOT!!

Matt Williamson

(1:46 PM)

Agreed-this is the last post that gets up with his name in it.

J.J.C. (Spring Lake, NC)

Hardly anyone has mentioned D'Angelo Williams' ZERO fumbles this season. How many time in NFL history has this happened for a back with major carries?

Matt Williamson

(1:46 PM)

Worth noting for sure. Fabulous season.

Robert (Monrovia, Ca)

If the Browns hire Scott Pioli is it automatic he brings in a guy from the "Belichick Coaching Tree"?

Matt Williamson

(1:46 PM)

They just had one of them though...

Matt Williamson

(1:47 PM)

&#x26; how well have those guys done? Romeo, Mangini, Weiss!

Ed (Boston)

Peter, it'll be a safety. Harrison is hanging it up and Sanders is a free agent.

Matt Williamson

(1:48 PM)

Makes a lot of sense. Merriweather at FS and a killer first round guy at SS. Would make a lot of problems go away. SS is a big deal in that D. Need a Harrison like thumper.

brian (oregon)

where due think bill cowher will be if at all

Matt Williamson

(1:48 PM)

Denver seems too good to pass up. Cowher has to know the value of having a franchise QB in place. Cutler has some very similiar traits to Big Ben.

Nick (Cleveland)

Where is that artice about the ten players the lions can build around?

Matt Williamson

(1:50 PM)

Was a few weeks ago. I am sure that if you go to the front page and type my name in at the top, you will then get a list of everything I have done. Keep scrolling down. Believe it or not, I could have come up with 12-15 and didn't even list Backus and Raola. Not that I love those two, but I can live with them for the immediate future, especially if they get a top notch OG to add to the mix. Believe it or not, Calvin J was #1 on my list. Shocker. Such a beast.

brian (oregon)

what due you think of the reports of him going to the jets?

Matt Williamson

(1:50 PM)

Thought he shot those down today. True?

Doug (NY)

Sorry J.J.C., but LT didn't fumble this year either (nor last year)

Matt Williamson

(1:51 PM)

Didn't realize that myself. Two years running? Wow

Mike (Boca Raton)

cutler v. ben: cutler seems to be less mature than roethlisberger but ben makes up for it by seemingly getting hurt every time something goes wrong for him (e.g., throw int.). cutler also has a stronger arm.

Matt Williamson

(1:53 PM)

Rather true. Both are gunslingers though and show plenty of immaturity on the field. Cutler is more physically gifted-but not my much at all. Ben can sling it and he can sling it in positions that are not condusive. Still, with the game on the line, I want Ben over Cutler for sure.

dre (sioux falls sd)

who do you think the raiders will get in the draft

Matt Williamson

(1:53 PM)

It has to be OL or WR. Give Russell some help!

Adam (Jersey)

Does Gruden keep his job after the Bucs late season collapse? Or should he just thank the Jets, Broncos and Cowboys for overshadowing the 4 game losing streak?

Matt Williamson

(1:54 PM)

They resigned Gruden less than a year ago and I thought he did a tremendous job last season. He is safe. Still, good point on the collapse. Was a trend this year in the NFL for sure.

Nick (NY)

Roethlisberger may talk ALOT about all the injuries, but there is no way you can question his toughness. He'll try his hardest to play no matter what.

Matt Williamson

(1:55 PM)

Very true. Might play it up a bit, but that guy takes a ton of shots.

PAUL (KNOXVILLE)

GIVEN THAT THE SAINTS WERE RUMORED TO WANT LARRY JOHNSON EARLIER THIS YEAR...COULD U SEE THE SAINTS MAKING A PLAY FOR HIM FROM KC?

Matt Williamson

(1:56 PM)

Wow, I doubt it. LJ seems very close to un-tradable to me. A lot of wear and tear. Off the field concerns. Attitude issues. Declining performance. Tons of good RBs out there. And he makes a lot of $$$.

Eric (Sioux City)

Why do fans always want their coaches fired. I remember everyone calling for John Fox's head last year. That would have been brilliant.

Matt Williamson

(1:56 PM)

Not sure that the average fan realizes how difficult it is to make a scheme change. Often takes two or three years to get the right players. Brutal.

nick (iowa city)

What do you think of Senecca Wallace? Do you think he can be a starter? Will he get a shot?

Matt Williamson

(1:57 PM)

I think he is a good backup who is perfect to come off the bench and give his team a spark. Not a true starter though. Played quite well this year though.

PAUL (KNOXVILLE)

ANY CHANCE THE SAINTS LOOK TO MAKE A TRADE TO GET ASOMUGHA FROM OAKLAND??

Matt Williamson

(1:58 PM)

Won't have to trade-will just have to pay out of the nose. I think the Saints are closer than many think. They would help their D out so much if they just stuck with a running game once in a while. But yeah, one more top notch guy on D would go a long way and NA would be perfect....but expensive.

Ryan (Denver)

If Cowher takes over for Denver, revamps the defense, is Denver an istant playoff team?

Matt Williamson

(2:00 PM)

Sure, but it is a rather large project. Surely he would install a 3-4. Is there a 3-4 NT on that roster? How about a pass rushing OLB who can also drop into coverage? I don't see anyone resembling Aaron Smith or Richard Seymour on that team either. Also, their safeties are terrible. LONG grocery list.

Matt (orlando)

Any possibility that Jimmy Johnson comes back to to coach - Denver is a very attractive job right now! It has to rank in the top 3 jobs in the NFL with a great owner and a franchise QB

Matt Williamson

(2:00 PM)

I have no idea, but I highly doubt it. From what I understand, Johnson has a terrific life in the sun fishing and doing whatever he wants.

Mike (Boca Raton)

do you think teams will continue to do better against ravens qb flacco as they see him more (e.g., dolphins, tennessee, and pittsburgh (3 times))?

Matt Williamson

(2:01 PM)

Sure. I would think that second and third meetings would not favor a rookie QB. Still, I have a lot of respect for Flacco and Cam Cameron to come up with adjustments of their own. That is a tough O to prepare for.

Gus ((Topeka, KS))

Who is out there for kc to grab in free agency that can give this defense a heart beat?

Matt Williamson

(2:03 PM)

They need to find a pass rush in the worst way. DE has to be need #1. Hali is a #2 DE, not a #1. Peppers? Suggs? Tough to believe that either hits the open market, but that is what KC needs. Could also be their first round pick while they get more B and C level free agents.

Matt Williamson

(2:04 PM)

Okay everyone. Pitt game is starting. Crew of people coming over here in a few hours. Gotta run. Enjoy the holiday. Be safe. Tune back next week. Adios.